"The family members are so delighted to see how exciting the students' lives are here at the University," said Dean of the College Valerie Smith in a video about Freshman Parents Weekend. "They get to see where their students work and live and socialize."

Video stills by Evelyn Tu

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Video feature: Princeton Freshman Parents Weekend

Posted October 27, 2011; 12:00 p.m.

by Evelyn Tu

After Shelley Slaughter delivered her 17-year-old daughter, Ebony Slaughter-Johnson, to Princeton in early September, it was the first time they had spent more than a week apart. Six weeks later, they were happily reunited at Freshman Parents Weekend.

"I really enjoy showing my mom around campus and having her meet my roommates and my hallmates," Slaughter-Johnson said in "Princeton Freshman Parents Weekend," a video highlighting the events. "It's definitely a bonding experience for both of us."

"She is maturing in just a phenomenal way," Slaughter said of her daughter.

Each October, the University's faculty and staff members and students throw an elaborate welcome party for hundreds of parents and other family members of Princeton freshmen. This year's events took place Oct. 14-16.

The program included informational lectures and panel discussions; tours of campus, the University Art Museum and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; receptions in each of the six residential colleges; student performances; exhibitions; and athletic competitions.